Month: February 2026

12 February – International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism

Effective prevention of violent extremism requires precision, cultural literacy, and evidential expertise. Generalist understanding is no longer sufficient.

My academic and operational work has focused extensively on the misappropriation and ideological weaponisation of Paganism and Germanic iconography by contemporary far-right extremist movements. Through a substantial body of published research, I have examined how sacred runic systems, reconstructed pre-Christian traditions, and mythic narratives are strategically distorted to legitimise supremacist, ethnonationalist and accelerationist violence.

I am nationally recognised for this specialism and have provided subject matter expert evidence before the courts in terrorism cases, supporting prosecutions and contributing to the evidential foundations underpinning the proscription of extremist organisations. My work has assisted the judiciary and juries in understanding the ideological signalling, symbolic intent and doctrinal frameworks embedded within extremist material.

In parallel, I continue to advise and train counter-terrorism policing, national security agencies, government departments, HMPPS, HMCTS, the education sector and the Armed Forces. A central pillar of that work is ensuring operational partners can clearly differentiate between:

Law-abiding Pagan communities exercising legitimate freedom of belief

Legitimate cultural or historical symbolism

Deliberate extremist co-option designed to radicalise, recruit and mobilise

This distinction safeguards both public protection and civil liberties. It prevents overreach, protects minority faith communities, and strengthens evidential robustness in terrorism investigations.

Extremism thrives in ambiguity. My role is to remove that ambiguity through research, evidence and operational clarity.

If your organisation requires specialist training, expert insight, or evidential support in this area, I invite you to contact me directly.

#CounterTerrorism#NationalSecurity#ExpertEvidence#Extremism#SecurityStudies#Prevent#Policing

Last night we held the first round of safeguarding training for our Safer Pagan Spaces Pledge holders, and it was genuinely heartening.

There were thoughtful questions, honest reflections, and rich discussion about what it really means to be Pagan and Heathen community leaders, the responsibility we carry, the difficult decisions we sometimes have to make, and the care we’re called to uphold and embody.

We spent time exploring what a safer space actually looks like and feels like, not just in theory, but in lived experience, for everyone who enters our circles, gatherings, and communities. The feedback was generous, reflective, and deeply encouraging.

A huge thank you to the Confederation of Heathen Kindreds and Asatru UK for hosting me, and for the openness, care, and leadership shown throughout the session. It was a real privilege to hold this space with you.

This work isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention, accountability, and walking alongside one another as we strengthen safeguarding practice across our traditions.

Our next step is to invite more pledge holders to join the next round of training. If your organisation hasn’t yet signed the Safer Pagan Spaces Pledge, now is a great time to do so. By signing, you’ll also receive access to our community safeguarding guidance, including policy templates and risk assessment tools, because this work should never be carried alone.

Together, with the support of the Police Pagan Association, we can set stronger, kinder, and clearer standards for leadership, care, and safeguarding across all our Pagan and Heathen communities.

Charlotte Pardy – Community Lead